Area-matching puzzle-game

ABSTRACT

An area-matching puzzle-game including one or more (usually at least two) tablet-receiving trays and a plurality of tablets of a co-planar set of tablets of several different sizes of at least six or more different sizes, with the width and length dimensions of each such tablet-receiving tray and the different width and length dimensions of each different kind of such tablets being substantial multiples of a corresponding selected arbitrary dimension element unit (or units) such that it is possible to place a plurality of such tablets, comprising only a portion of the total co-planar set of such tablets, in any of a plurality of different arrangements including at least four-per-tray, or more, different rectangular-area-defining arrangements including different combinations of various different ones of said tablets, including the same and/or different types of said tablets, in a co-planar manner on or in the tablet-receiving tray in a substantially area-coextensive manner such as to substantially exactly fill and cover the playing surface (in a preferred form, a recess) of such a tablet-receiving tray. In a preferred form, there may be two (or more) different sizes and/or shapes of such tablet-receiving trays, each adapted to be substantially filled and covered by multiple (usually at least four or more) different combinations of portions of the total co-planar set of tablets.

United States Patent [191 Rabinovich [451 Sept. 30, 1975 AREA-MATCHINGPUZZLE-GAME [76] Inventor: Luis J. Rabinovich, /0 P. O.

Box 18948, Cirnerron Station, Los Angeles, Calif. 90018 [22] Filed: Apr.17, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 244,826

[52] US. Cl 273/157 R; 35/31 D; 273/130 R; 273/137 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f9/10 [58] Field of Search 273/156, 157 R, 130 R, 273/135 B, 135 F, 137R; 35/31 D, 31 F [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,538,768/1925 Wheaton 273/157 R 1,602,356 /1926 Franz 2,188,480 l/l940 Murray..2,711,595 6/1955 Sharp 273/157 RX 2,738,594 3/1956 Swingle 273/157 RX2,866,278 12/1958 Snarr 1 /31 F 3,131,488 5/1964 Slater 35/31 D3,667,760 6/1972 Nelson 273/157 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS974,923 11/1964 United Kingdom 273/ F OTHER PUBLICATIONS Amsco ToysCatalog, copy received in Group on 3-10-66, unnumbered page, copy inGroup 334.

Primary E.\'aminerAnton O. Oechsle [5 7] ABSTRACT An area-matchingpuzzle-game including one or more (usually at least two)tablet-receiving trays and a plurality of tablets of a co-planar set oftablets of several different sizes of at least six or more differentsizes, with the width and length dimensions of each suchtablet-receiving tray and the different width and length dimensions ofeach different kind of such tablets being substantial multiples of acorresponding selected arbitrary dimension element unit (or units) suchthat it is possible to place a plurality of such tablets, comprisingonly a portion of the total co-planar set of such tablets, in any of aplurality of different arrangements including at least four-per-tray, ormore, different rectangular-area-defming arrangements includingdifferent combinations of various different ones of said tablets,including the same and/or different types of said tablets, in aco-planar manner on or in the tablet-receiving tray in a substantiallyareacoextensive manner such as to substantially exactly fill and coverthe playing surface (in a preferred form, a recess) of such atablet-receiving tray. In a preferred form, there may be two (or more)different sizes and- /or shapes of such tablet-receiving trays, eachadapted to be substantially filled and covered by multiple (usually atleast four or more) different combinations of portions of the totalco-planar set of tablets.

10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures AREA-MATCHING PUZZLE-GAME SUMMARY OFTHEINVENTION Generally speaking, the present invention may be said tocomprise a-puzzle, usually intended for individ- 'ual play, or a gamewhich may be played by a plurality of players, and which involves asubstantial measure of skill. It includes one or more tablet-receivingtray means, which may be of several different sizes and/or shapes (in apreferred form, rectangular with different length and width dimensions),with each such tabletreceiving tray means havinga playing areacomprising a top surfaceportion thereof (and which, in a preferredform,comprises an upwardly open recess). The puzzlegame also includes aplurality of tablet means which effectively comprise playing piece meansand which include a number of different types (different sizes and- /orshapes) of said tablet means and individually selectible by a player forplacing on the playing area or within the receiving recess of a selectedone of the tabletreceiving tray means. Each of the several differenttypes of tablet means, in a preferred form thereof, is of substantiallyrectangular configuration (in certain cases, having different width andlength dimensions and,.in other cases, having substantially equal widthand length dimensions and, therefore, comprising the special square caseof a rectangular configuration). The width and length dimensions of theplaying area of the upper surface or receiving recess of each tray meanscomprise multiples (in certain cases, different multiples and in othercases, the same multiple) of a selected dimension element unit (which isof an arbitrary short length). Each of the several different kinds oftablet means, when of said preferred rectangular or squareconfiguration, has a width dimension and a length dimension comprisingmultiples (in certain cases, different multiples and, in other cases,the same multiple) of the previously mentioned selected dimensionelement unit whereby to comprise a corresponding fractional part of thecorresponding width and length dimensions of each receiving of eachreceiving recess of each tray means. The width and length dimensions ofeach different type of tablet means are so related to the correspondingwidth and length dimensions of the receiving recess of each tray meansas to cause each such tray means to be capable of substantially exactlyreceiving a number of said tablet means in substantially areacoextensivemanner whereby various combinations of said tablet means can be placedon the playing surface (within the receiving recess) of any of said traymeans for substantially exactly filling and covering same, which is thepurpose of the apparatus, whether played individually as a puzzle orwith multiple players as a game.

In a preferred form of the invention, each recess defined by each traymeans includes an extra clearance space to provide for small widthdirection edge separations-of adjacent tablet means, and/or each suchrecess means ma'yalso include an extra clearance space to provide forsmall length direction edge separations of adjacent tablet means, tofacilitate the positioning and rem'ovalof said tablet means with respectto the recess 'defined by a corresponding tray means.

- In a preferred form, each tray means is made of flat, substantiallyplanar, thin-sheet material and, in one exemplary form, is provided withupwardly directed edge flange means therearound whereby to definetherewithin acorresponding one of said recesses. Also, ina preferredform, each of the plurality of tablet means is made of flat,substantially planar, thin-sheet material and, in one form,- may be soconstructed as to facilitate the positioning and/or removal thereofrelative to one or more other closely adjacent tablet means on theplaying area (within the recess)'o'fone of said tray means. v

Said tray means and/or said tablet means may be made of inexpensivethin-sheet material capable of relatively inexpensive fabrication, suchas cellulosic, carboardlike, paper-like or wood material, or thin-sheetMasonite, ceramic, aluminum or plastic material, or any other materialsuitable for the purposes and objec tives of the present invention.

' OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION With the above points in mind, it is anobject of the present invention to provide a novel, area-matchingpuzzlegame of the character referred to herein, generically and/orspecifically, and which may include any or all of the features referredto herein, either individually or in combination, and which is ofextremely simple, inexpensive, easy-to-manufacture construction such asto be suitable for ready mass manufacture and distribution at anextremely low cost, both as to the initial cost (including tooling andproduction set-up costs, etc.) and as to the subsequent per-unitmanufacturing costs, whereby to be conducive to widespread production,distribution, sale, and use of the invention, for the purposes outlinedherein or for any substantially equiva* lent or similar purposes.

Further objects are implicit in the detailed description which followshereinafter (which is to be considered as exemplary of, but notspecifically limiting, the present invention), and said objects will beapparent to persons skilled in theart after a careful study of thedetailed description which follows. 7

For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present invention,several exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in thehereinbelow-described figures of the accompanying two sheets of drawingsand are described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. 1 is a greatly reduced-size three-dimensional, pictorial,perspective view of one exemplary form of the invention as seen from aviewing point above and at one side of a playing table, and wherein theinvention is being employed as agame played by two persons, although notspecifically so limited.

FIG. 2 is a larger scale, top plan view illustrating in a somewhatdiagrammatic manner one of the two different types of exemplaryreceiving tray means having one exemplary arrangement of a plurality ofthe tablet means positionedthereonin a manner substantially exactlyfilling and covering the playing area within the top recess of the traymeans, which is the same type of tray meansas that shown atthe left sideof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view generally similar to FIG. 2, but illustrates adifferent exemplary type of tray means and a different exemplaryarrangement of a plurality of tablet means positioned on the playingarea within the recess of the tray means and substantially exactlyfilling and covering same, with the tray means being of the same type asthat shown at the right sideof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary top plan view illustrating a representative groupof a plurality of different types of the tablet means.

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, partly broken-away view takensubstantially along the plane and in the directionindicated by thearrows 5-5 of FIG. 1 and clearly shows two representative,extra-clearance space portions to provide for small edge separations ofadjacent tablet means to facilitate the positioning and removal of samewith respect to the recess defined by the corresponding tray means andis intended to illustrate both width direction clearance space portionsand length direction clearance space portions.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 illustrate the same type of tray means as shown inFIG. 2, but with different representative arrangements of the pluralityof tablet means for covering the complete playing areas within therecess.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate the same type of tray means as shown inFIG. 3, but with different representative arrangements of the pluralityof tablet means for covering the complete playing area within therecess.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating a form of theinvention where both the tray means and the tablet means are made ofthin-sheet, cellulosic material.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12. but illustrates a slight variationthereof wherein the tablet means are made of cellulosic material and thetray means are made of thin-sheet, formed, plastic material.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but illustrates a very slightvariation thereof wherein the tray means are made of thin-sheet,cellulosic material, and the tablet means are made of thin-sheet,plastic material.

FIG. 15 is a further view similar to FIG. 12, but illustrates a veryslight variation thereof wherein both the tablet means and the traymeans are made of thinsheet, plastic material.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view similar in many respects to a left portionof FIG. 4, but illustrates a very slight modification of the tabletmeans which facilitates the positioning and/or removal thereof withinthe recess and with respect to other closely adjacent tablet means.

The puzzle game, depending upon whether one person uses it as a puzzleor multiple persons play it as a game, is based upon the concept offinding a mathematical relationship among the various elements whichcompose it, such that various possible combinations of the tablet meanscan be employed to substantially fully cover the playing area of eitherof the two exemplary tray means, or of any other substantial functionalequivalents thereof.

The various elements of the system have been designed in a manner basedprimarily upon the metric system for convenience since it is a systembased on powers of ten and, therefore, lends itself more readily todeveloping the proper mathematical relationships by the various elementsof the puzzle-game. However, it should be clearly understood that thesystem of units is not to be construed as limiting the game, and Englishsystem equivalents of the metric system dimensions of the variouselements of the puzzle-game may be employed. Indeed, this is true of anyother measurement system.

The purpose of the puzzle or game is to mentally determine and tophysically implement the covering of the complete playing area of anyparticular tray means by placing thereon a number of any combination ofany of the various tablet means.

Four representative and non-specifically-limiting different arrangementsof the tablet means on one particular type of square tray means areshown in FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 8, and four representative andnon-specifically limiting, different arrangements of the tablet means onone particular type of rectangular (non-square) tray means are shown inFIGS. 3, 9, l0, and 11. However, the eight examples just referred to arerepresentative only of the many possible different types of tabletmeans, different types of tray means, and different types ofarea-covering arrangements of different ones of said tablet means onsaid tray means.

The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1 shows the puzzle-game being usedas a game, with two players playing same while seated at opposite sidesof a table, such as is generally designated at T, which has a playingsurface or region, such as is generally designated at 22, where aplurality of different types of tablet means, indicated generally at 39,are positioned and two different types of tray means, indicatedgenerally at 24, and 26, are also positioned. It should be noted that inthe arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, the left tray means 24 is shownas being of a square type such as is shown in a somewhat-larger-scaleplan-view configuration in FIG. 2 while the right tray means, indicatedgenerally at 26, is of a rectangular configuration such as is shown inplan view, drawn to a somewhat larger scale in FIG. 3.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, there are six different types ofthe tablet means indicated generally at 39, such as are shown in topplan view in laterally spaced relationship in FIG. 4, wherein a firsttype of tablet means is designated by the reference numeral 40, and alsoeach of same bears the letter A for identification purposes. A secondtype of tablet means is designated by the reference numeral 42 and bearsthe letter B for identification purposes. A third type of tablet meansis designated by the reference numeral 44 and bears the letter C" foridentification purposes. Each of the three types of tablet means 40, 42,and 44 just referred to is of thin-sheet, planar, square configuration.

In the exemplary form illustrated, three additional types of tabletmeans are designated at 46, 48, and 50, respectively, and bearcorresponding letters D, E, and F, respectively, with each of said lastthree types of tablet means being of rectangular (non-square)configuration in addition to being of thin-sheet, planar form similar tothe first three square tablet means 40, 42, and 44.

In one exemplary way of playing the game, there are a total of 200tablet means 39 in all, including of the Type A" indicated at 40 in FIG.1, 20 of the Type B indicated at 42 in FIG. 1, 20 of the Type Cindicated at 44 in FIG. 1, 20 of the Type D indicated at 46 in FIG. 1,50 of the type E" indicated at 48 in FIG. 1. However, these numbers ofthe tablet means 39 are merely representative of one convenientarrangement for playing the game and are not to be construed as limitingthe invention. This is also true of the two different types of traymeans indicated at 24 and 26 in FIG. 1, which, incidentally, may beassigned to either of the players by choice or by any random selectionmeans, such as riffling or cutting the cards of a deck and giving eitherhigh man or low man his choice or by any other desired selectionprocess.

The various different types of tablet means may be appropriately colored(usually differently colored), if desired, as may the tray means.

Each tray means is of fiat planar configuration having a main bodyportion such as that shown at 80 in FIG. 4, which is made of thin-sheetmaterial which, in the exemplary form illustrated, is of an exemplarycellulosic type such as cardboard, chipboard, or other paper-likematerial, although not specifically so limited. The main body portion 80is provided therearound with an upwardly directed edge flange means 82,thus defining within the edge flange means 82 the playing surface orplaying area which, in said exemplary form comprises a recess lyingwithin the edge flange 82 and indicated, in the case of the non-squaretray 26 .by the reference numeral 30 and, in the case of the square tray24, by the reference numeral 28. It should be noted that the receivingrecess of playing area 28 in the case of the square tray 24 and 30 inthe case of the non-square tray 26 has a width dimension 32 in the caseof the recess 28 and a width dimension 36 in the case of the recess 30,in each case comprising a different multiple ofa selected dimensionelement unit. For example, in the case of the recess 28, the widthdimension 32 comprises 150 millimeters (which is a multiple of5millimeters, which, in this case, comprises the hereinbeforementionedselected dimension element unit) plus 2 additional millimeterscomprising an extra clearance space in a width direction such as will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter. In other words, the 150millimeters width dimension 32 (exclusive of the 2 millimeters of theextra clearance space) is an exact multiple of thehereinbefore-mentioned selected dimension element unit of millimeters.The purpose of this will be clarified hereinafter.

It should also be noted that the length dimension of the recess 28 isindicated by the reference numeral 34 and is identical to thejust-described width dimension 32 and, thus, also comprises a multipleof the 5 millimeter selected dimension element unit plus 2 millimetersof extra clearance space in the length direction, which will beexplained in greater detail hereinafter.

The recess 30 of the non-square tray means 26 also has a widthdimension, which in this case is indicated by the release numeral 36,which is a multiple (a different multiple) of the previously-referred-toselected dimension element unit which is 5 millimeters. In the exampleillustrated, said width dimension 36 comprises 125 millimeters (which isa multiple of the basic 5 millimeter selected dimension element unitplus an additional 2 millimeters of clearance space in a widthdirection, parts of which are indicated at 76 in FIGS. 3 and 4.Incidentally, it should be noted that the total of all of the individualclearance space portions in the width direction such as the exemplaryones shown at 76 in FIGS. 3 and 4 across the entire recess 30 in thewidth direction total the above-mentioned 2 extra millimeters ofclearance space in the width direction; and as illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4, said width direction extra clearance space portions are definedbetween adjacent edges of the plurality of tablet means 39 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 and corresponding edges of the recess 30 in a widthdirection similar to the width dimension doubled-headed arrow indicatedby the reference numeral 36.

The square recess 28 of the tray means 24 has the same extra 2millimeters of clearance space in the width direction indicated by thedouble-headed arrow 32 of FIG. 2 as that just described with respect tothe width direction extra clearance space portions 76 of FIG. 3. Each ofthe two recesses 28 and 30 has similar extra clearance spaces of 2millimeters in each case in the length direction, such as that indicatedby the double-headed arrow 38 in the case of FIG. 3 and such as thatindicated by the double-headed arrow 34 in the case of FIG. 2; and ineach case said 2 millimeters of extra clearance space in'the lengthdirection is substantially similar to and is intended for the samehereinafter-described purposes as the width direction clearance spaceportions 76 illustrated in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 and describedhereinbefore.

In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, each of thesix different types of exemplary tablet means, indicated generally at39, has width and length dimensions, each of which is also a multiple(usually a different multiple) of the previouslymentioned selecteddimension element unit which, in the example illustrated, is 5millimeters. Thus, the width dimensions of each of the six differenttablets shown in FIG. 4 are designated respectively by the referencenumerals 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, and 72, while the length dimensions of saidtablets are designated, respectively, by the reference numerals 54, 58,62, 66, 70, and 74. The width dimension 52, in the example illustrated,is 25 millimeters, the width dimension 56 is 35 millimeters, the widthdimension 60 is 45 millimeters, the width dimension 64 is 25millimeters, the width dimension 68 is 25 millimeters, and the widthdimension 72 is 35 millimeters. The length dimension 54 is 25millimeters, the length dimension 58 is 35 millimeters, the lengthdimension 62 is 45 millimeters, the length dimension 66 is 35millimeters, the length dimension 70 is- 45 millimeters, and the lengthdimension 74 is 45 millimeters. It will be noted that all of said widthand length dimensions are multiples of the previously-mentioned 5millimeter selected dimension element unit. Thus, it is clear thatvarious possible layout arrangements of different ones of said tabletmeans 39 can be placed on the playing area 28 or 30 of either of the twotray 'means 24 or 26 in a manner which will substantially exactly coversaid playing area without leaving any intervening substantial openspaces (other than the very small previously-mentioned clearanceportions 76 and 78 which are for the purpose of positioning and removingthe tablet means 39 relative to the playing area or recess 28 or 30. Inother words, theoretically the 2 millimeter extra clearance spaces inboth the width and length direction of each of the two tray means 24 and26 could be eliminated, making each of the recesses exact multiples inboth width and length directions of the 5 millimeter selected dimensionelement unit. However, practically speaking, this is notan effectivearrangement because of the difficulty of placing and removing the tabletmeans within the recesses of the tray because of no small extraclearance spaces, which is the reason why, for practical purposes, thepreviously mentioned width and length 2 millimeter clearance spaces areprovided.

In the exemplary first form of the invention, each of the tablet means39 is of flat, planar, thin-sheet, cellulosic material, as is perhapsbest shown in FIG. 12, where the tablet means 40 is shown incross-section.

However, none of the tablet means is limited to being constructed ofcellulosic material, as will be referred to hereinafter. Preferably,each of the tablet means 39 carries a different identification letter onits upper surface and may also be differently colored, although notspecifically so limited. It may also be desirable for each of the traymeans 24 and 26 to be differently colored, although not specifically solimited.

FIG. 6 illustrates the tray means 24 with a different arrangement of thetablet means 39 from the same tray means as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further variation of the selection and arrangementof tablet means covering the square tray means 24.

FIG. 8 illustrates an even different arrangement of the tablet means onthe square tray means 24.

FIG. 9 illustrates a different arrangement of the tablet means 39 on thenon-square tray means 26, such as that shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 shows the non-square tray means 26 with a further variation inth arrangement of the tablet means 39 thereon. l

FIG. 11 is an additional variation of the layout of the tablet means 39on the non-square, rectangular tray means 26.

In other words, FIGS. 2 and 6-8 illustrate a number of representativedifferent solutions to the problem of covering the entire playing areaof the square-type tray 24, while FIGS. 3 and 9-11 illustrate a numberof representative different solutions to the problem of fully coveringthe playing area of the non-square, rectangular tray 26, and each ofthese four showings is intended to be merely representative and not tobe construed in a limiting sense.

While both the tray means and the tablet means in the first form of theinvention have been described as being made of cellulosic cardboard orpaper-like material, either of same may be made of other suitablematerials, such as wood, plastic, or any combination thereof, andrepresentative such variations are shown in FIGS. 13-15. In the case ofFIG. 13, the tablet means is not changed as to material and, therefore,parts thereof are designated by the same reference numerals as the firstform of the invention, while the tray means is changed from cellulosicmaterial to plastic material and, therefore, corresponding parts aredesignated by similar reference numerals, followed by the letter a,however.

In FIG. 14, the tray means is not changed from the first form of theinvention and, therefore, the same reference numerals designatecorresponding parts thereof. However, the tablet means is modified fromcellulosic material to plastic material and, therefore, parts thereofsimilar to the first form of the invention are designated by similarreference numerals, followed by the letter a, however.

FIG. amounts to a combination of FIGS. 13 and 14 wherein both the tabletmeans and the tray means are changed from cellulosic material to plasticmaterial and, therefore, all portions thereof similar to the first formof the invention are designated by similar reference numerals, againfollowed by the letter a, however.

It should be understood that in the showings of FIGS. 12 through 15 thefragmentary, enlarged, sectional view is taken on a plane similar tothat indicated by the arrows 5-5 of FIG. 1 on the non-square,rectangular type of tray means. However, this is intended to alsoillustrate the corresponding constructions of the squaretype tray means,as well and to thus eliminate the necessity of providing additionalduplicate illustrations similar to FIGS. 12 through 15, but of thesquare-type tray means.

FIG. 16 is a view generally similar to the left portion of FIG. 5, butillustrates a very slight modification of the tablet means only, which,therefore, are designated by similar reference numerals, followed by theletter b, however. The tray means is the same as in the first form ofthe invention and, therefore, identical reference numerals are used todesignate such parts. Each of the tablet means generally designated at39d and, in the example illustrated, comprising the particular smallestsquare type of tablet means which bear the letter A, as shown in FIG. 4,is designated in FIG. 16 by the reference numeral 40b and has a thickercenter 86 than its edge portions 84, thus making it possible to apply afinger to one of the edge portions 64 and to rock the entire tabletmeans 40b in the manner shown at the center of FIG. 16 so that theopposite edge 84 will be raised to a degree such that it can bedigitally engaged and removed from its position on the playing surface30 with great ease. This comprises means for facilitating thepositioning and removal of each of the tablet means 39b and is merelyrepresentative of a number of different, substantially functionallyequivalent arrangements which are intended to be included andcomprehended within the broad scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the particular 5 millimeter length of theselected dimension element unit referred to hereinbefore, and any of themultiples thereof comprising the various width dimensions and lengthdimensions of the recesses of the tray means and of the various tabletmeans, can be converted to corresponding English measuring systemequivalents, and for this purpose a brief table of the various width andlength dimensions briefly identified by number is set forth hereinbelow.

Dimension 32 is 6.6855 inches. Dimension 34 is 6.6855 inches. Dimension36 is 4.8992 inches. Dimension 38 is' 7.6697 inches. Dimensions 52 and54 are 0.9842 inches. Dimension 56 and 58 are 1.3779 inches. Dimensions60 and 62 are 1.7716 inches. Dimensions 64 and 68 are 0.9842 inches.Dimension 66 is' 1.3779 inches. Dimensions 70 and 74 are 1.7716 inches.The wall thickness of the flange 82 is 3 millimeters or 0.1 17 inch.

It should also be noted that the actual length (irrespective ofmeasuring system) of the above-mentioned selected dimension element unitcan also be appropriately modified provided that the relationships ofthe multiples thereof function in a manner substantially equivalent tothat of the exemplary system disclosed hereinbefore.

The rules for playing the game or puzzle may be briefly stated asfollows. Each player selects a particutablets and places it on theplaying area of his tray to begin the effort to exactly cover same. Thenext player does exactly the same, and each player successivelythereafter selects a tablet and places it on "the playing area of histray in the effort tocover same with a minimum number of tablet means.If, during the course of the game, any particular player picks up atablet means and finds that he cannot place it exactly on the playingarea of his tray means because there is no open spot of the same sizeand shape, he may put the tablet means back on the pile of tablet meansand, if necessary, he can even remove another tablet meansand put twotablet means back on the source of same, but he cannot pick up anothertablet and attempt toplace'it on the playing area of his tray during thesame turn, but must await the next time it is his turn to play. A tabletmeans can be placed at any location on the playing area of the traywhether or not it is contiguous to other adjacent tablet means or to theflange surrounding'the recess comprising the playing area. However, atablet means cannot be held or retained by a player it must be eitherplaced on the playing area of the tray means or returned to the pile oftablet means. It is forbidden to leave open areas or interior spacebetween noncontiguoustablet means when all of same are placed on theplaying area of a tray and the player can no longer find a tablet meansthat will fit any such open area between non-contiguous tablet means. Insuch case, it is necessary to remove one or more of the already placedtablet means so that a sufficiently large open area is provided to allowthe exact covering of same with other carefully selected tablet meansduring succeeding turns of that particular player. The position of anyof the tablet means cannot be switched around after once being placed onthe playing area of the tray means, with one optional exception. Theoptional exception is the situation which exists when a tablet meansisselected by a player, and when the player attempts to then place on anuncovered portion of the playing area of the tray means, is found to betoo large for said uncovered portion of the playing area of the traymeans so that it cannot be placed thereon without overlapping the edgeflange of the tray means. Under such conditions, it is permitted for theplayer to then move that particular tablet means to a different positionon some other uncovered portion of the playing area of the tray meanswhere it can be fully received. It should be noted that this is anoptional mode of play and this particular rule may be modified so thatwhen it is found that a selected tablet means cannot be placed on aparticular playing area portion upon which the player attempts to placeit, it must then be returned to the pile of tablet means from which itwas selected and it cannot be moved to a different open portion of theplaying area of the tray means during that particular move of thatparticular player. Either mode of play may be selected in advance,either as an arbitrary initial condition of play or by mutual selectionof the players.

The player who finishes first that is, completely covers the playingarea of his particular tray means with carefully selected tablet meansis the winner of the game. The rest of the players may continue playingif they wish to determine who is the second player to complete thecovering of his playing area, the third player to do so, etc. The gamecan be a partnership game rather than a game of individual opponents.For example, using one tray for every two or more players,

the rules are the same, but in each team of players,

ea'chindividual plays successively or alternatively withhis partner '(orpartners) in the corresponding turn of play'of that particular team. Itshould be clearly understood that any particular player may use anysystem which he selects in attempting to cover the playing area of hisparticular tray means with the sequentially selected tablet means. Inother words, he may start at one corner and place sequentially selectedtablet means each contiguous to a'previous one along a lateral row oralong'a column in a direction perpendicular to such a lateral row or, ifhe chooses, he may place the tablet means at spaced,non-contiguouslocationsQThis is entirely at the option "of each player.

It should be noted that'the table' means and the tray means may bei'nanufactured'of various different suitable materials, such ascardboard, plastic, wood, etc., either by utilizing one particular typeof said materials for both said tray means and said tablet means or byusing different ones of said materials for said tray means and saidtablet means in any desired combination thereof. Said tabletmean'sand/or said tray means inay be'suitablycolored and/or identified byletters or oth'er'identification markings for the purpose of morereadily distinguishing different types of said tablet means and/or saidtray means from each other and a manufacturer may choose any of thefollowing options: l. A uniform color for everything and identificationletters and markings correspon ding to individual type;

2.' Different colors and identification letters; or i 3. Differentcolors only. i It should be understood that the figures and the specificdescription thereof set forth in this application are for the purpose ofillustrating the present invention and are not to be construed aslimiting the present invention to the precise and detailed specificstructure shown in thefigures and specifically described hereinbefore.Rather, the real invention is intended to includesubstantiallyequivalent constructions embodying the basic teachings andinventive concept of the present invention.

v What is claimed is: n

1. An area-matching puzzle-game comprising: a plurality of tabletscomprising a single co-planar set, each tablet being of substantiallyrectangular configuration; at least one tablet-receiving tray, each traybeing of rectangular configuration and defining a corresponding upwardlyopen single-tablet-layer, multiple-tabletcombination table-receivingrecess for receiving in a substantially-exact area-coextensive mannersinglelayer arrangements of at least four-per-tray differentrectangular-area-defining combinations of certain selected ones of saidtablets, the receiving recess defined by each rectangular tray having awidth dimension and a length dimension comprising multiples of aselected dimension element unit, and each tablet of said coplanar sethaving a width dimension and a length dimension comprising multiples ofsaid same selected dimension element unit and comprising a correspondingfractional part of the corresponding width and length dimensions of thereceiving recess of each tray, with said width and length dimensions ofeach tablet being, therefore, so related to the corresponding width andlength dimensions of each tray as to cause said tray to substantiallyexactly receive a number of said different tablets of said co-planar setin asubstantiallyarea-coextensive manner whereby various combinations ofdifferent ones of said tablets of said co-planar set can be placedwithin any of said trays for substantially exactly filling and coveringthe recess defined thereby, each tablet of said co-planar set being ofone of at least six different types having corresponding differentsurface areas, with the tablet of each different type each having awidth dimension comprising either the same multiple of said selecteddimension element unit or a different multiple of said selecteddimension element unit from the width dimension of each tablet of adifferent one of said multiple different types, no tablet having a widthdimension which is an integral multiple of the width dimension of anyother tablet, thus being related to each other, with the one of greaterwidth dimension being effectively multiplied by an improper fractionrelative to the one of lesser width dimension, with the tablet of eachdifferent type each having a length dimension comprising either the samemultiple of said selected dimension element unit or a different multipleof said selected dimension element unit from the length dimension ofeach tablet of another one of said multiple different types, no tablethaving a length which is an integral multiple of the length of any othertablet, thus being related to each other, with the one of greater lengthdimension being effectively multiplied by an improper fraction relativeto the one of lesser length dimension.

2. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein the widthdimension of each such recess defined by each such tray includes anextra clearancespace to provide for small width direction edgeseparations of adjacent tablets to facilitate the positioning andremoval of same with respect to the recess defined by a correspondingtray.

3. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein thelength dimension of each such recess defined by each such tray includesan extra clearance space space to provide for small length directionedge separations of adjacent tablets to facilitate the positioning andremoval of same with respect to the recess defined by a correspondingtray.

4. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein the widthdimension and the length dimen- 12 sion of each such recess defined byeach such tray includes an extra clearance-space to provide for smallwidth and length directions edge separations of adjacent tablets tofacilitate the positioning and removal of same with respect to therecess defined by a corresponding tray.

5. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each trayis made of flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet material and isprovided with an upwardly directed edge flange therearound definingtherewithin a corresponding one of said recesses.

6. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each ofsaid tablets is made of flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet material.

7. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each trayis made of flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet cellulosic materialand is provided with an upwardly directed edge flange therearounddefining therewithin a corresponding one of said recesses.

8. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each trayis made of flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet plastic material andis provided with an upwardly directed edge flange therearound definingtherewithin a corresponding one of said recesses.

9. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each ofsaid tablets is made of thin-sheet material provided with means at eachend thereof for facilitating the positioning and removal of said tabletand comprising accessible oppositely positioned tablet edge portionsadapted to be digitally engaged for convenient and easy removal of anycorresponding tablet.

10. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each ofsaid tablets is made of thinsheet material provided with controllablyrockable means for facilitating the positioning and removal of saidtablets and comprising thin accessible oppositely positioned tablet edgeportions at opposite ends of each tablet and intervening thicker tabletfulcrum portions, with said thin accessible tablet edge portions beingadapted to be digitally engaged for convenient rocking movement andsubsequent easy removal of corresponding tablets.

1. An area-matching puzzle-game comprising: a plurality of tabletscomprising a single co-planar set, each tablet being of substantiallyrectangular configuration; at least one tablet-receiving tray, each traybeing of reCtangular configuration and defining a corresponding upwardlyopen single-tablet-layer, multiple-tablet-combination table-receivingrecess for receiving in a substantially-exact area-coextensive mannersingle-layer arrangements of at least four-per-tray differentrectangular-area-defining combinations of certain selected ones of saidtablets, the receiving recess defined by each rectangular tray having awidth dimension and a length dimension comprising multiples of aselected dimension element unit, and each tablet of said coplanar sethaving a width dimension and a length dimension comprising multiples ofsaid same selected dimension element unit and comprising a correspondingfractional part of the corresponding width and length dimensions of thereceiving recess of each tray, with said width and length dimensions ofeach tablet being, therefore, so related to the corresponding width andlength dimensions of each tray as to cause said tray to substantiallyexactly receive a number of said different tablets of said co-planar setin a substantially areacoextensive manner whereby various combinationsof different ones of said tablets of said co-planar set can be placedwithin any of said trays for substantially exactly filling and coveringthe recess defined thereby, each tablet of said co-planar set being ofone of at least six different types having corresponding differentsurface areas, with the tablet of each different type each having awidth dimension comprising either the same multiple of said selecteddimension element unit or a different multiple of said selecteddimension element unit from the width dimension of each tablet of adifferent one of said multiple different types, no tablet having a widthdimension which is an integral multiple of the width dimension of anyother tablet, thus being related to each other, with the one of greaterwidth dimension being effectively multiplied by an improper fractionrelative to the one of lesser width dimension, with the tablet of eachdifferent type each having a length dimension comprising either the samemultiple of said selected dimension element unit or a different multipleof said selected dimension element unit from the length dimension ofeach tablet of another one of said multiple different types, no tablethaving a length which is an integral multiple of the length of any othertablet, thus being related to each other, with the one of greater lengthdimension being effectively multiplied by an improper fraction relativeto the one of lesser length dimension.
 2. An area-matching puzzle-gameas defined in claim 1, wherein the width dimension of each such recessdefined by each such tray includes an extra clearancespace to providefor small width direction edge separations of adjacent tablets tofacilitate the positioning and removal of same with respect to therecess defined by a corresponding tray.
 3. An area-matching puzzle-gameas defined in claim 1, wherein the length dimension of each such recessdefined by each such tray includes an extra clearance space space toprovide for small length direction edge separations of adjacent tabletsto facilitate the positioning and removal of same with respect to therecess defined by a corresponding tray.
 4. An area-matching puzzle-gameas defined in claim 1, wherein the width dimension and the lengthdimension of each such recess defined by each such tray includes anextra clearance-space to provide for small width and length directionsedge separations of adjacent tablets to facilitate the positioning andremoval of same with respect to the recess defined by a correspondingtray.
 5. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, whereineach tray is made of flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet material andis provided with an upwardly directed edge flange therearound definingtherewithin a corresponding one of said recesses.
 6. An area-matchingpuzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said tablets is madeof flat, substantially planar, thin-sheet material.
 7. An area-matchingpuzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each tray is made of flat,substantially planar, thin-sheet cellulosic material and is providedwith an upwardly directed edge flange therearound defining therewithin acorresponding one of said recesses.
 8. An area-matching puzzle-game asdefined in claim 1, wherein each tray is made of flat, substantiallyplanar, thin-sheet plastic material and is provided with an upwardlydirected edge flange therearound defining therewithin a correspondingone of said recesses.
 9. An area-matching puzzle-game as defined inclaim 1, wherein each of said tablets is made of thin-sheet materialprovided with means at each end thereof for facilitating the positioningand removal of said tablet and comprising accessible oppositelypositioned tablet edge portions adapted to be digitally engaged forconvenient and easy removal of any corresponding tablet.
 10. Anarea-matching puzzle-game as defined in claim 1, wherein each of saidtablets is made of thin-sheet material provided with controllablyrockable means for facilitating the positioning and removal of saidtablets and comprising thin accessible oppositely positioned tablet edgeportions at opposite ends of each tablet and intervening thicker tabletfulcrum portions, with said thin accessible tablet edge portions beingadapted to be digitally engaged for convenient rocking movement andsubsequent easy removal of corresponding tablets.